Author: Amy Riley

When you think of tomatoes, you might picture sun-drenched Italian vineyards or sprawling Spanish farms. But the UK? Surprise — the UK has a rich, juicy tomato story of its own!

Here are three fascinating facts about British tomatoes that you probably didn’t know…

1. The UK Grows Over 70 Varieties of Tomatoes

Across the UK, over 70 different varieties of tomatoes are cultivated — from tiny sweet cherry types to huge, ribbed heritage beefsteaks. Many UK growers are now specialising in colourful and exotic breeds too: yellow, purple, even stripey green varieties are all being grown right here.

Some of the most sought-after “Mediterranean” tomato types are actually being grown in the balmy microclimates of places like the Isle of Wight and Kent!

2. UK Tomatoes Travel Less Than 50 Miles to Supermarkets

One major advantage of British tomatoes? Ultra-low food miles. A lot of British-grown tomatoes are harvested and in supermarket shelves within 24 to 48 hours — often travelling less than 50 miles from greenhouse to basket.

Why does this matter?

• Fresher flavour — you can taste the difference!
• Less CO₂ emissions compared to importing tomatoes from Spain, Morocco, or the Netherlands.
• Supports local farmers and sustainable growing practices.

3. British Tomatoes Are at Their Sweetest in Late Spring and Early Summer

Many people think August is tomato season, but British glasshouse tomatoes actually hit peak sweetness between May and July. This is thanks to the gradual build-up of sunshine hours in spring, combined with slightly cooler nights — a perfect combination that concentrates natural sugars without blowing out the acidity.

If you see British tomatoes labelled “vine-ripened” in May or June, grab them. They’re at their juicy, fragrant, best — perfect for slicing onto crusty bread, tossing into salads, or just eating like sweets straight from the punnet.

May is a fruitful month for tomatoes in the UK. The weather starts to warm up, the light stretches into the evenings, and the first real signs of tomato season start to show — whether you’re growing them yourself, shopping local, or just dreaming of summer salads.

Here’s what’s happening in the world of UK tomatoes this May!

1. Planting, Hardening, and Early Flowers

For home growers, May is a busy time. If you’ve started tomatoes indoors or in a greenhouse, this is when you begin hardening them off — gently introducing them to the great outdoors.

Top tasks in May:

• Move seedlings outside during the day, but bring them in at night if it’s still chilly.
• Prepare final growing spots — whether it’s a greenhouse bed, pots, or a sunny garden patch.
• Start staking or caging your plants now to support future growth.
• Some early varieties might even start showing tiny yellow flowers — the first promise of summer fruit!

The golden rule for May? No rushing. Tomatoes are warm-weather lovers, and a sudden cold snap can set them back badly.

2. The First Wave of UK Glasshouse Tomatoes

While outdoor tomatoes are still gearing up, British glasshouse tomatoes are already making their grand entrance.

Thanks to the protection of modern greenhouses — heated, ventilated, and perfectly lit — growers can produce sweet, ripe tomatoes earlier in the season. By mid-to-late May, you’ll start seeing British-grown tomatoes appearing in farmers’ markets and supermarkets.

What to look for:

• Vine-ripened tomatoes (fuller flavour, deeper red colour)
• Heritage varieties like Tigerella (stripy) and Black Russian (deep purple)
• Cherry and plum tomatoes bursting with early-season sweetness

Choosing local tomatoes now means fresher flavour and a lower environmental footprint compared to imported ones.

3. Flavour Is Building — But Patience Pays Off

In May, UK tomatoes are on the cusp of greatness. The increasing sunshine and longer days mean tomatoes are busy building up their natural sugars. The flavour will keep intensifying through June and July.

If you’re growing your own, now’s the time to:

• Water deeply and consistently (no letting them dry out then drenching!)
• Feed with a balanced fertiliser until flowers set, then switch to a tomato feed.
• Keep an eye out for pests like aphids — young plants are vulnerable.

Resist picking too early — the best tomatoes stay on the vine as long as possible, basking in that beautiful late-spring light.

There’s something a bit magical about May if you’re growing tomatoes — everything is waking up, the light is warmer, and your little seedlings are ready to hit their stride. If you want fat, juicy tomatoes this summer, May is the month to set the tone!

Here are three key things you should be doing right now:

1. Harden Off Your Plants Properly

If you’ve been raising tomatoes indoors or in a greenhouse, May is not the moment to rush them outside permanently.
Tomatoes need to be hardened off — meaning, slowly introduced to outdoor life.

• Start by putting your plants outside for a few hours a day in a sheltered, warm spot.
• Gradually increase their outdoor time over 7–10 days.
• Bring them in if there’s a cold snap — tomatoes are drama queens about chilly nights.

Hardened-off plants are stronger, less stressed, and way more likely to flower and fruit heavily later.

2. Feed Early — But Not Too Much

By May, your tomatoes are hungry. They’ve burned through the nutrients in their starter compost and are getting ready to power up with leaves and flowers.

• Start feeding once a week with a balanced fertilizer (equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium — look for an “all-purpose” or “grow-more” feed).
• Don’t jump too early into “tomato-specific” feeds (which are high in potassium) until your plants actually start flowering.
• Keep it light and regular — overfeeding now = lush leaves, but no tomatoes later.

Water first, then feed. Tomatoes absorb nutrients better when their roots aren’t dry and stressed.

3. Watch the Weather and Support Early

May weather can be unpredictable — warm and breezy one day, wet and windy the next.

• If you’re planting out, stake or cage your tomatoes as soon as they go into the ground or a pot. Don’t wait until they’re big — by then it’s messy and risks damaging roots.
• Keep an eye on the night temperatures. If it’s dipping below 10°C, throw over a fleece, cloche, or even an old sheet at night.
• Remember: wind is just as bad as cold. It bruises stems and dries plants out fast.

If you see your young tomato flowers starting to form this month, give the plant a gentle shake — it helps pollinate early blooms and boosts your first fruit set.

Easter is a time of renewal, celebration, and feasting with loved ones. While eggs, lamb, and sweet treats often take centre stage, tomatoes also have a special place in Easter traditions across different cultures. Here are three ways tomatoes play a role in Easter cuisine, that you may not have known!

1. A Symbol of Freshness & Rebirth

Easter falls in spring, a season of renewal, and tomatoes embody this perfectly. While they are a summer crop in many regions, the arrival of warmer weather brings fresh, vibrant dishes. In Mediterranean countries, Easter feasts often feature tomato-based salads and light, refreshing starters that highlight the season’s bounty. Dishes like tomato and burrata salad or bruschetta with basil and olive oil symbolize the freshness of spring and the joy of Easter gatherings.

2. A Key Ingredient in Traditional Easter Meals

In many cultures, tomatoes form the base of rich and comforting Easter dishes. In Greece, lamb in tomato sauce is a favourite, where slow-braised lamb is cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and warm spices. In Italy, tomato-based pasta sauces such as sugo al pomodoro or puttanesca are served alongside Easter roasts. These tomato-based dishes bring warmth, depth, and a comforting touch to Easter tables.

3. A Versatile Addition to Easter Leftovers

Easter meals often leave plenty of leftovers, and tomatoes help transform them into delicious new dishes. Leftover roasted meats can be tossed into a tomato-based pasta or soup, while extra boiled eggs from Easter celebrations pair beautifully with a fresh tomato and herb salad. The natural acidity and sweetness of tomatoes enhance flavours, making them the perfect ingredient for creative post-Easter meals.

While tomatoes may not be the first food that comes to mind when thinking of Easter, they play a vital role in adding freshness, richness, and versatility to the holiday menu. Whether in a light spring salad, a hearty braised lamb dish, or a creative way to use leftovers, tomatoes are a hidden star of Easter feasting!